NICE says why eye to Ozdurex and Eylea for DME

In two separate pieces of final and binding guidance, NICE has recommended Bayer's Eylea (aflibercept) and Allergan's Ozurdex (dexamethasone intravitreal implant) for treating NHS patients with diabetic macular edema. Both sets of recommendations come with restrictions: Eylea can be used if the eye has a central retinal thickness of 400 micrometres or more at the start of treatment, and if Bayer provides the drug at a discount as agreed in a confidential patient access scheme. Meanwhile, Ozurdex is to be used in patients if the implant is to be used in an eye with an intraocular (pseudophakic) lens and if non-corticosteroid treatment is unsuitable or ineffective. Both drugs will compete against Roche's Lucentis (ranibizumab) and off-label Avastin. NICE first put its guidance out for consultation in February.